In most cases, an injury caused by work can be categorized as relatively minor. All injuries have the potential to make you miss work and incur medical expenses, however. That's why workers' compensation is such a valuable and much-needed benefit. If you get hurt, you can expect to have all of your medical bills taken care of and to be able to stay home and heal from your injury while getting a portion of your salary paid to you. This coverage is absolutely free to you, and you are covered from your first moment on the job.

A very different scenario could occur, however, if your injury fails to heal. Read on for a better understanding of how workers' comp deals with a permanent injury.

Take a Special Medical Exam

If your injury seems to be taking longer than usual to heal, and you are still unable to return to your job, the workers' comp carrier could ask that you be examined by a doctor of their choosing. This exam, called the independent medical exam (IME), is different from the usual exams. While there is no need for you to pay for this exam, you also will not be receiving any treatment as a result of this exam.

During this exam, the doctor will focus on the affected body part and some diagnostic tests, such as X-rays or blood tests, may be performed. Once completed, the IME doctor will provide the workers' comp carrier with a recommendation about your case going forward. There are 3 possible findings of this report:

1. Your injury seems to have healed enough that you should be able to return to your job. If you feel that this determination is incorrect, you may have the right to appeal. If you encounter a situation where your job is being threatened if you do not return to work, contact a workers' comp attorney.

2. Your injury needs to be given a little more time to heal. Stay in treatment and follow all doctors recommendations, therapy and take all prescribed medications.

3. Your injury has reached a plateau, and is not expected to improve any further. Unfortunately, this means you have a permanent injury.

Dealing With a Permanent Injury

Your benefits will likely undergo a change after the permanent disability ruling, and you may be offered a settlement. Tread very carefully through this phase of your claim, you must receive enough income to replace your job. Even if you have been able to handle your workers' comp case on your own up to now, a workers' comp attorney will prove invaluable when it comes time to negotiate your settlement.